UMass Dartmouth Announces Passing of Former AD Bob Mullen

Mar 27, 2012

(Dartmouth, MA) -- The UMass Dartmouth Athletic Department has received word of the passing of former Athletic Director Robert W. Mullen. He passed away recently after a long and courageous battle with complications from diabetes.

He is survived by his wife, Marcia Mullen, and his four children, daughters Sherri and Kelly, along with sons, Scott and Robert. His funeral will be held on Thursday, March 29 at St. Mary's Church in South Dartmouth at 10 am. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, March 28 from 4 pm to 7 pm. Arrangements are being handled by Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals in New Bedford.

"This is a sad day for all Corsair fans, Bob played a significant role in the history of the department," said current UMass Dartmouth Director of Athletics Ian Day. "He was very approachable and was helpful to me personally when I first arrived in town. He will be missed by many."

Bob Mullen came to the UMass Dartmouth Athletic Department as Athletic Director in 1998 following his early retirement from LaSalle University is Philadelphia the previous year. He served as director until he retired in May of 2006 due to health-related issues.

During his tenure at UMass Dartmouth, Bob was responsible for the establishment of several promotional efforts involving the Athletic Department including the annual Shrine Day event as part of the UMass Dartmouth Cross Country Invitational, the Hampton Inn Basketball Classic, Parent's Day, the Presidents Cup Football Classic and the ABC television show, "Corsair Sports". He also secured a grant for the National Youth Sports Program from the NCAA for area youth.

During his seven-and-a-half year tenure, the Athletic Department saw a significant growth and improvement in its facilities. Among the athletic facility improvements during Mullen's service were the installation of the artificial surface at Cressy Field, the complete restoration of the track and field complex, opening of the Fitness Center and the construction of new tennis courts adjacent to the Tripp Athletic Center.

His departure from UMass Dartmouth capped a career of over 40 years as a coach and athletic director. He served as an athletics director at all three divisions of the NCAA, as well as President of the NAIA Directors of Athletics in 1980. Prior to his 12 years at Division I La Salle University from 1985 through 1997, Mullen served as Athletic Director at Division II University of Southern Colorado from 1981 through 1985. He began his career in athletic administration at Division III Loras College in 1974, where he also served as head men's basketball coach, golf coach and was a classroom instructor.

Mullen earned his graduate degree in educational administration from Loras College, following his bachelor and master's degree work at Northern Illinois University. He has also graduated from all four levels of the National Association of Collegiate Director of Athletics Management Institute.